Following a thrilling but ultimately heartbreaking 136-131 loss to the Portland Trailblazers on Sunday night, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed the media today, pinpointing a clear but frustrating weakness: the team's inability to close out close games. 

The loss came despite an unbelievable 48-point performance from Stephen Curry, who drained a season-high 12 three-pointers. Yet, even the greatest shooter of all time is not immune to crunch-time blunders, as Curry missed a key layup in the final seconds that could have given Golden State the lead. 

Kerr was blunt in his assessment of the team's overall performance, particularly on the defensive effort. "They're all tough, but when you make 24 threes, you should win the game. We couldn't stop them. They made 20 threes themselves. It was a great game, a wild game. We just aren't closing games. I think we are 5-9 in clutch games. We are not closing close games down the stretch, and we have to find a way to do that. 

Kerr highlighted a specific defensive breakdown in the fourth quarter. "We were up ten and then they scored eight straight and I felt like we weren't getting back in transition off our misses. This team has a lot of guys that can attack and draw help. Those two threes from Jerami Grant were big shots that flipped the game back in their direction."

Turnovers also plagued the Warriors, a familiar theme in their losses. Draymond Green, despite his usual high-energy effort, struggled with an eye-popping 8 turnovers. Kerr defended his veteran leader while also offering insight.

"His energy is amazing for us, and plays so hard. He just has to find a way to walk that line. He's an incredible player and we would be in big trouble without him," Kerr said. "But he has to have 3 turnovers instead of 8 and a lot of them he was in a rush."

"We gave up 24 points off turnovers. We have to find a way to connect the game," a deflated Kerr expressed to the media. 

In a final moment of accountability, Kerr shouldered the blame for the team's struggles. "I am not doing my job well this year. We are 13-14; we have enough talent to be much better. We are losing all these close games. I have to find a way to help this team." 

Golden State has the opportunity to make adjustments and rebound after this defeat in time for their next game on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns.